Consumerism and idolatry

In an article for Leadership Journal last year, Skye Jethani makes an important distinction between consumption and consumerism — Christian critiques of consumerism usually focus on the dangers of idolatry—the temptation to make material goods the center of life rather than God. This, however, misses the real threat consumerism poses. My concern is not materialism, […]

Book Review: The Truth of the Cross

In the past few years, I have found myself increasingly gravitating to books on the cross of Christ. One reason is that since I lead our church through communion each month, I need to read things that keep the truth of the cross fresh and exciting to me. But the most significant reason is that […]

Sunday Leftovers (8/12/07)

In “How Much is Enough?” Al Mohler demonstrates the cultural bias towards a preoccupation with and dependence on material goods and wealth as god. That theology constantly bombards our souls and is dangerous for both us and our children. So, here are some random thoughts as I reflect on yesterday’s sermon and think about how […]

The priority of corporate worship

Reflecting on Revelation 4-5 as a means of instructing the church about the nature of worship, Art Azurdia in his sermon “Bible Ministry” (Part 1) says this: “In heaven, worship is undeniably corporate in essence. In fact, of all the worship scenes in heaven recorded for us in the Revelation, can you think of one, […]

Sunday Leftovers (8/5/07)

“To the physician,” writes, Chuck Swindoll, “it’s merely a two-ounce slab of mucous membrane…But the tongue is as volatile as it is vital…[It is ] verbal cyanide. A lethal, relentless, flaming missile which assaults with hellish power, blistering and destroying at will.” This is the testimony of many Scriptures — Jesus, James, and Proverbs speak […]

Things worth reading and praying when a bridge collapses

How do you respond when a bridge collapses (or a tower falls)? What are you to think? What do you tell your children or young believers (or unbelievers) about God in such a situation? Three writers (one “old,” and two contemporary), help us answer these questions in a biblical framework: Oswald Chambers Al Mohler John […]

Audio worth hearing

I was first introduced to Arturo Azurdia by The Master’s Seminary chapel audio. Then, while on vacation the last couple of weeks, I listened to several more of his sermons. He is clear, compelling, convicting, and faithful to the text in his exposition. His sermons are well worth hearing, because he listens to God (chapter […]

Lessons Remembered After a Midnight Phone Call

When the phone rings at midnight, awakening you from a deep and hard sleep, it rarely rings with happy news. “Mr. Enns? This is Pastor ________. Your daughter is ok, but she’s been in an accident at camp and has been hurt…We’re getting ready to take her to the emergency room…” With those words last […]

Nothing new about truth

Solomon said that there is “nothing new under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9). I’ve understood that to be true in a variety of circumstances. Death is sorrowful. Marriage is the greatest source of earthly joy (and often sorrow). Sin is devastating. Always. Where there are people, there will be conflict. Where there is Christ, there can […]

Something worth reading about reading

Today’s blog on Desiring God contained a helpful commentary, “On Reading.” It is worth reading (as are the links it provides to other encouragements to read). There have never been more good books (nor more bad books, too) available than what we have available today. And most of them can be delivered to our doors […]

Sunday Leftovers (7/15/07)

Yesterday morning I read an extended quote from Tedd Tripp’s book Shepherding a Child’s Heart (one of the very best books on parenting). Here is the rest of the quote that I left unread (the entire quote was from pp. 38-40): Remember Proverbs 4:23. Life flows out of the heart. Parenting cannot be concerned only […]

The importance of the Gospel

The gospel has always been controversial and attacked. This afternoon I began listening to Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ sermon “Christianity — the Only Hope” preached a generation ago. And his lament in that day was largely the same as today — a concern over a declining interest in the truth, the power of the Word of God […]

Sunday Leftovers (7/8/07)

For the most part, the much dreaded millennium bug was pretty much a non-event. For a 105-year-old woman in Norway, it provided an occasion for a reflective chuckle. Because the computer for a local government agency that offered free daycare to all five-year-olds in Oslo, it pulled all the records of children born in ’94 […]

Preparing for worship

A few days ago, Oswald Chambers wrote the following in My Utmost for His Highest. It is a fitting reminder and call as we prepare for worship on Sunday. Have I allowed the Spirit of God freedom to examine my heart so that my fellowship with Christ might be true and that the Lord would […]

Salsa recipe

If you like Mexican food, and like fresh salsa with a little bite, try this one. It’s excellent on chips, homemade tortillas, grilled chicken sandwiches and hamburgers. [Or, try my favorite restaurant salsa, from Blue Mesa Grill.] I don’t measure anything, so my measurements here are guesses: 3-4 cloves garlic Juice of one lime 1 […]